Yes and, conversely, a moderator can use his power to protect a friend who has clearly violated the rules.Originally Posted by Brad the Impala
The inconsistency of application of the rules and the prohibition against discussion of a moderator's actions in the open forum is creating a huge potential for abuse and I believe it has happened already. And this is made worse by a moderator who not only has an axe to grind but is lacking in the analytical and comprehension skills required to appreciate the nuances and subtleties of a particular post and is thus quick to trigger the delete button.
Speaking for myself, I only look at a post and view it on its merits. If a poster says he's experiencing a hailstorm in Isaan when no such event has been reported in the media, I ask him to provide a link to a report of such a significant event. I wouldn't necessarily assume that he's a habitual liar. In my humble opinion, whether a person claims to be blind, pathetic or moribund, shouldn't add credence to his posts and neither should it grant him immunity from the board's rules.
If this relentless pursuit of old vendettas and backslapping among members of the OBN continues, then this board is unlikely to receive fresh blood in terms of ideas, insight and critical analysis. No, this doesn't necessarily imply that there would be a decline in the number of members, posts or those precious number of views they attract, but the forum will never rise above its current existence and perhaps that's what the majority is contented with - and deserves.
